CHAPTER V.
1 Concerning the changes that were wrought by the war. 2 The debtors are given grace. 4 Strong drink becometh hard to get. 10 It groweth difficult to make a journey. 16 The bazaars are closed at an early hour. 20 Much money is earned by the workers. 22 The manner of spending it.
And these are certain of the things that did come to pass in the land of En during the days of the Great War.
2 ¶ Now immediately that there was war, grace was given unto them that were in debt; and that which they did owe, for a certain time they did not pay it.
3 Therefore was the war a mixed blessing unto such as these, and in those places that are beyond the Gate of Notting Hill, the days of grace were welcomed with the sound of timbrels and there was much rejoicing.
4 ¶ And those that drank not strong drink set them to work. And they concealed their purpose beneath the shadow of the war, and they prevailed upon the rulers to be an help unto them.
5 And so it was that the doors of the taverns were closed against the people save only for five hours during the day; neither was it lawful for them to buy any strong drink from the publicans except at the time appointed.
6 In this wise did the water bibbers advantage their object, for they had rightly conceived that the war was an hefty lever wherewith to work their will.
7 And those that drank of the juice of the grape did become quick at the swallow, for the time that they did have, it was short.
8 And the preachers and all those that did meddle with the independence of the people were filled with pious joy, and they rejoiced in their tabernacles of stone and of tin, and in their habitations also, saying, Thus are the wicked punished and the thirsty sent empty away.
9 And because the publicans were the people to go for, and they did know it, therefore did they not complain; and the cocoa gulpers triumphed on that day.
10 ¶ Now there were many sojourning in the land of En that came of an hostile country. And because they were a danger unto the state, therefore did the rulers make new laws concerning them.
11 And to this end, whosoever did travel unto certain places was commanded to write him his name in a book that was at the inn where he did rest.
12 Now when a man and a woman did journey unto the sea and did sojourn there for a week-end, then would they say unto all and sundry, Behold, a priest has licensed us to do this thing, for we are wed.
13 And sometimes it was so: but there were some that did lie about it, hoping perchance to save them lodgment money, or fearing to offend the righteous.
14 Therefore was the new law a cause of vexation unto them, for to write in a book their true names, it was not wise; and to write them names that were false, it was a dangerous thing and costly withal.
15 And though many complained in secret, nevertheless, there was no change made in the law, for the rulers of the land did rightly own no knowledge touching such affairs; and they that did transgress did pay the penalty.
16 ¶ And it was ordained that all the bazaars throughout the land should close them their doors at eight hours after midday.
17 Yea, even unto them that sold tobacco and unto the vendors of sweet stuffs was the mandate sent. And because these were used to ply their trades by night as well as by day, therefore did the order seem the more amazing unto them.
18 And the damsels liked it not because of their stomachs. And when a man did go for to buy him cigarettes and it was too late, he would utter maledictions upon the doorstep; and the next time he would remember.
19 And in the time of his extremity the married man did borrow from his wife; and it did cost him dear because she did have her price. Verily, whatsoever she desired, that did she get out of him, for the moment was favourable unto her purpose.
20 ¶ And many were put to labour on munitions, and they did work them long hours at a goodly recompense.
21 And when the week was come unto its end, then did they receive their hire; and because it was a lot of money, they knew not what to do with it.
22 ¶ And some bought them musical instruments; wherefore was there great complaining amongst those that lived round about, for the noise that they did make was as the harmony of the damned.
23 And amongst the women, there were some that bought them feathers and ribands of a gaudy hue; and they adorned themselves most wonderfully.
24 And whensoever they ventured forth into the public places, there was a stir amongst the populace. Yea, verily, from the north unto the south, and from the east unto the west, wheresoever they appeared, the people were amazed at the strangeness of their garb.
25 But there were many that being full of wisdom and aflame with love of En, did lend a part of that which they earned unto the rulers of the land for to buy them munitions of war.
26 And, howsoever much it was, it did breed them profits during every year that it was away, so that they prospered and became men of substance.
27 Nevertheless, there was fear in them that when the war was come to an end the rulers would take from each so much, saying unto him, A good and faithful servant has thou been and prudent, and thou wast an help unto us when we had need of thee. And now, listen:
28 Inasmuch as thy brothers have wasted their substance on idle things of no account, therefore are they become paupers, and they are hungerstarved.
29 But thou hast been saving in the past and thine hire has bred thee profits. Thy foresight has delivered thee from want during all the days of thy life.
30 Therefore shalt thou pay so much unto each of thy poor brethren, for in this wise they shall have subsistence that will keep them safe from want.
31 And the wasters winked them each the left eye, for they knew full well that when the time came that they were impoverished, then would the thrifty ones be taxed for to feed them.
32 For the frugal man shall sweat; but the waster, he shall lap it up. And so it was in the land of En.